Timber

Types of Timber

Timber is also known as wood. It is a material that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It is still being used widely today. Timber is used to construct buildings, make furniture, and create tools, among other uses. When it comes to construction, timber is the go-to material. Timber is used to construct the framework of a house, including walls, roofs, and floors. It is also used for doors, windows, and furniture, as well as for decorative features such as moldings and beams. The use of timber in construction is not just because of its strength but also because of its versatility, as it can be used in a variety of ways. Timber comes in different types and forms. These include the following:

• Softwood: Softwood comes from conifer trees that are usually evergreen. These trees produce seeds in the form of cones. Softwood trees include pine, spruce, and fir. These trees are mostly straight and have fewer branches. This means that the trunk of the tree can be harvested and used as timber without much waste. Softwood is also known as seed-bearing wood, or in scientific terms, gymnosperms. Softwood is mainly used in the construction of buildings because of its strength, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.
• Hardwood: Hardwood comes from deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually. These trees include oak, maple, and cherry. Hardwoods are usually more complex and denser than softwoods, making them more durable and resistant to wear. This makes hardwood more suitable for high-traffic areas and heavily used furniture. Hardwood is also known as flower-bearing wood, or in scientific terms, angiosperms.
• Engineered wood: Engineered wood, also known as composite wood, is made from wood fibers, strands, or veneers bonded together with adhesives. It includes products such as plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and glulam beams. Engineered wood is designed to provide specific structural or functional benefits. For example, plywood is made by layering and gluing wood veneers in crisscrossing patterns to create a strong, stable panel that resists warping. Engineered wood is used in construction for applications where traditional solid wood may not be as effective or efficient.
• Reclaimed wood: Reclaimed wood is timber that has been previously used in construction and then salvaged for reuse. It can come from old buildings, barns, bridges, or even wine barrels. This type of wood is used to construct buildings and furniture today. It is loved because of its unique character, history, and environmental benefits. Timber retailers prefer reclaimed wood because it helps reduce the demand for new lumber, conserving forests and promoting sustainability.

Features and Functions of Timber

Timber has a wide range of applications in construction and other industries. Here are some features and functions of timber:

• Structural Support:

  Timber is used in structural elements such as beams, columns, rafters, and floor joists. These supports carry loads in order to make safe and durable structures. Engineered timber products like glulam (glued laminated timber) and LSL (Laminated Strand Lumber) provide high strength and stability. They can span long distances without intermediate supports.

• Framework:

  Timber is used to create frameworks for buildings, including stud walls, timber frame houses, and post-and-beam construction. This allows for flexibility in design and ease in the installation of electrical and plumbing systems. Timber frameworks provide strong support for walls, roofs, and floors.

• Flooring:

  Timber is used in flooring construction. It has features such as durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Softwood species like pine are often used in cost-effective flooring solutions. Hardwood species like oak, maple, and cherry are used in high-end residential and commercial properties.

• Roofing:

  Timber is used in roofing construction. It is advantageous because it is lightweight, strong, and easy to work with. Timber roofs can be constructed using trusses or rafters. The timber roof provides a safe and durable structure that supports the roof covering.

• Walls:

  Timber is used in wall construction. It provides structural support, insulation, and a platform for finishes. Timber is also used in interior walls, particularly in stud walls where timber studs are covered with plasterboard or drywall.

• Timber is also used in the construction of:

  Cabins and cottages, bridges, decks and patios, fences and gates, pergolas and gazebos, retaining walls, and landscape timber.

Applications of Timber

Timber is a versatile material used in construction, furniture, and other industries. Here are some common applications:

• Construction

  Timber is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. It is used for beams, columns, rafters, floors, and walls. Timber is also used for scaffolding and formwork in construction projects.

• Furniture

  Timber is used to manufacture furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, and shelves. It is also used for decorative items like picture frames, mirrors, and wall art.

• Decking and flooring

  Timber is popular for decking and flooring in residential and commercial buildings. It is durable, easy to maintain, and aesthetically pleasing. Timber flooring is also used in gyms, courts, and other sports facilities.

• Landscaping

  Timber is used in landscaping to create retaining walls, fences, gates, and pergolas. It is also used for garden furniture, such as benches, tables, and chairs.

• Cabinetry and millwork

  Timber is used in cabinetry and millwork, such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, and moulding. It is also used for doors, windows, and staircases.

• Sports facilities

  Timber is used in sports facilities such as indoor arenas, stadiums, and tracks. It is used for seating, flooring, and roofing. Timber is also used for sporting goods like skis, snowboards, and surfboards.

• Musical instruments

  Timber is used in the production of musical instruments such as pianos, violins, and guitars. It is valued for its acoustic properties and durability.

• Shipbuilding

  Timber has been used in shipbuilding for centuries. It is still used today in the construction of boats, yachts, and other watercraft.

How to choose timber

The following are some of the factors to consider when buying timber:

• Timber type

  The type of wood determines its use. Softwood is used for construction and making furniture while hardwood is used for making quality furniture, flooring and decorative items.

• Timber quality

  The timber must be of good quality. The first thing to check is the bark. If the bark is intact, it means the timber is good. The next thing is to check the timber ends. If they are straight and have no cracks, the timber is good.

• Timber size

  The size of the timber also needs to be considered. Most suppliers have standard sizes, but it is also possible to get timber cut to the desired size.

• Timber treatments

  Timber is treated to increase its lifespan and suitability for different uses. Pressure treatment involves using high pressure to force preservative chemicals into the wood, creating a durable and water-resistant barrier. This method is commonly used for treating utility poles, fence posts, and decking materials. CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) treatment is a popular method for pressure-treating wood used in outdoor construction such as decks, playground equipment, and residential retaining walls. The treated wood is usually greenish or tan in color. ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) treatment is a newer, more environmentally friendly method of pressure treating wood. It uses copper-based biocides that are less toxic and more effective at preventing rot and insect damage. The wood is typically a brighter shade of green after treatment. Borate treatment is a non-pressure method of treating wood that is often used in areas where moisture is not a concern. Borates are natural minerals that are effective at preventing termites and fungal decay. This treatment is usually applied to interior wood or areas such as roof cavities and wall frames. It is important to note that borate-treated wood is not water-resistant.

• Timber availability

  It is important to consider the availability of the timber. Some types of timber are readily available, while others are scarce. This can affect the cost and the time it takes to complete a project. Timber from sustainable forests is better for the environment.

Timber Q&A

Q: What is the difference between solid wood and timber?

A: There is a perception that wood and timber are the same. However, it is not. The difference is based on the intended use of the wood. If a wood is used for making furniture, fixtures, and other constructions, it is called timber. The wood is called timber once it is cut, processed, and dried.

Q: What is the difference between timber and beam?

A: The difference between timber and beam lies in their usage. Timber refers to wood in general, while beams are timber used for structural support. Beams are large and strong pieces of timber and are usually placed horizontally to support the weight of the roof, floors, and more. In simple terms, all beams are timbers, but not all timbers are beams.

Q: What are the main uses of timber?

A: Timber is used for different applications. These include construction, furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, and specialized uses like musical instruments and sporting goods.

Q: What are the three types of timber?

A: There are three main types of timber. These are hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood. Each of these types has different applications and uses.